Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

New Year's Eve Ball Drop

December 31st, 2026

Can’t be in Times Square for New Year’s Eve? No problem! Just head to downtown Ludington for the Lighted Ball Drop at midnight. 

It’s all part of Ludington’s Light Up the Lake New Year’s Eve event. Every year thousands of people gather in the heart of downtown Ludington on New Year’s Eve to witness the Ball Drop!

The fun starts early New Year’s Eve in downtown Ludington, so bring the entire family and plan to shop for bargains at area merchants and have a meal in one of our fantastic restaurants.

Legacy Plaza comes alive at 9pm as revelers gather to ring in the New Year with a fantastic celebration! Enjoy a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, seltzer, and refreshing non-alcoholic options before the ball drop. DJ Chris Bosse will be spinning tunes to keep the party lively. Get cozy by the roaring fireplace, and take advantage of the heaters spread throughout the plaza. Remember, this is an open-air event, so make sure to dress warmly!

As midnight approaches, get ready for the grand moment when the NYE ball drops, courtesy of Zupin Crane. Stick around after the countdown for a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Oxy Chem. It’s going to be a night to remember!

Best Drop in the Nation

In December of 2024, the Pure Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop was recognized as the best New Year’s Eve drop in the nation by the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

It was the sole Michigan event nominated and one of just 20 finalists from across the country.

Safe Rides Program

Each year, community businesses and individuals come together to sponsor free rides/tows for the public on New Year’s Eve to prevent drunk driving incidents. 

The following offered free rides/tows on New Year’s Eve, 2025:

  • Abrahamson’s Towing: (231) 843-2990
  • Auto Ranch Towing: (231) 425-6206
  • Fiers Towing:  (231) 757-4479
  • Judy’s Rides:  (231) 233-7200
  • Ludington Mass Transit Authority:  (231) 845-6218
  • Oceana Auto:  (231) 843-6500

Ludington Restaurants, Pubs & Retail Shops Will Be Open Late

On December 31st, numerous downtown businesses offer great sales and many of them stay open late at night. And some of Ludington’s favorite downtown restaurants have dinner specials for two. Whether you want to wander through our art galleries, browse our specialty stores, or enjoy food and drink at a local restaurant or pub, Ludington welcomes you to come in out of the weather! 

These Businesses Offered Warm Up Spots Throughout the Evening in 2025:

  • Aardema Wood Floors – open 9pm-12:30am
  • Blu Moon Bistro – taking dinner reservations
  • Book Mark
  • Cedar Chest Consignment Shoppe – open 11am-5pm with 75% off holiday items
  • Cluck Bucket – open 8-11:30pm
  • Coffee Coop – open 8-11:30pm
  • The Hangar – Hot Chocolate served until 11pm
  • House & Harbor Mercantile – Open until the ball drops
  • HumaniTea – open until midnight with live music
  • Jamesport Brewing Company – kitchen open until 10:30pm with special menu
  • KRAVE – open 5pm-12:15am
  • Ludington Bay Brewing Company
  • Ludington Library – Free Family New Year’s Eve Party from 8:30-11pm
  • My Happy Place
  • Red Rooster Coffee & Community – open 8pm-Midnight
  • Sand Bar
  • Sandcastles Children’s Museum (Family New Year’s Eve Party & Balloon Drop from 5-8pm. Tickets required.)
  • Sister Bees
  • Snyder’s Shoes – open 9am-4pm
  • Table 14 – taking dinner reservations
  • The Side Room – live music featuring Third Coast Swing
  • Tiki Lounge – open 9:30pm-4am
  • Timbers Prime – After Party from 12:30-4am
  • Todd & Brad Reed Photography
  • Windowsill Books

Join the New Year's Eve Fun!

It’s a one of a kind event…with evening activities beginning at 9pm at the North James Street Plaza in the heart of downtown Ludington. Be sure to check our Coupons Page for discounts and specials offered by Ludington area merchants, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Also follow the links below for business listings to help with planning!

Watch the Lighted Ball Drop at Midnight

The Ludington New Year’s Eve ball is six feet, five inches in diameter and is lit by 6,000 LED lights. It is the biggest ball in West Michigan. There are four different color lights which blink as it’s lowered.

Employees of GLC Metal Fabricators and Harsco were responsible for making the ball, and Tye Signs installed the lights. The ball is truly a community project and something Ludington is very proud of!

For more information on the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, please contact the event organizer:

Ludington Downtown Development Authority

231-845-6237

400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI  49431

downtownludington.org

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